Page 113 - December_2023

the right horse is checking in and out through the stable gate, or being inspected for regula- tory purposes. It can also be used in identifying horses for official works. Additionally, it serves as a valuable tool in the event of a natural disaster or theft, facilitating the recovery of the horse. The adoption of microchipping proves advantageous in maintaining accurate records, enhancing management processes, and ensuring the security and identification of horses in various situations.
“The microchip itself is just one com- ponent of the identification of a racehorse moving forward,” said VanBebber. “We have always used a lip tattoo as confirmation that the horse’s identity has been verified. But with the advancement of technology, we can now use a chip and not only use it to scan the horse and get all related data, but people also have the option of using the chip as part of plat- forms to help them manage their horse care.
“The good news is that our Thoroughbred counterpart, The Jockey Club, rolled out
their program in 2019,” VanBebber contin- ued. “Most people in the industry are aware that Thoroughbreds have been doing it for
the duration since. We got to learn as they navigated the process. It’s a familiar concept. Yes, it’s new to our Quarter Horse-specific horsemen, but we have an intensive communi- cation plan.”
The process of collecting and storing microchip information for horses is being facilitated by the development of the AQHA’s dedicated application, QHChip. Authorized identifiers will employ this application for the collection of microchip data, which will then send it to AQHA’s database. After a horse is microchipped and undergoes inspection by an official identifier, the verified informa- tion will be accessible through two platforms: InCompass Solutions and AQHA’s database. This streamlined system ensures efficient access to and management of microchip data for accurate horse identification.
“We have an IT component we have worked on for two years,” VanBebber continued. “We have developed our own application for the identifiers to use that will feed the data that they acquire while in the field identifying the horses and verify- ing that the horse matches their papers, and that will be put into our database. We have a data share with Equibase every evening that will get it to the platforms that help racetracks manage the races. It’s a very smooth process, and we have been working hard at it. It’s time to step up and meet the capabilities of today’s technology.”
There is no requirement for horses whose identity was previously verified and marked by lip tattoo to undergo microchipping,
After a horse is microchipped and undergoes inspection by an official identifier, the verified information will be accessible through two platforms: InCompass Solutions and AQHA’s database.
according to the Frequently Asked Questions posted on the AQHA website. Horses that have been identified through tattoos prior to the specified date are permitted to maintain the use of their existing tattoos as a valid means of identification. Horse owners with animals falling into this category need not to be concerned about the additional require- ment of microchipping, as the pre-existing tattoo identification will suffice.
The AQHA rulebook does not specify the exact location for microchip implantation
on a horse. However, it mandates that the implantation location must be reported to the AQHA. This information will then be accessible in the horse’s registration details within the AQHA database. Note, however, that the information can be reported to AQHA when the horse is being verified by the AQHA identifier.
“The one thing that we at AQHA recom- mend is that a veterinarian implant the chip,” noted VanBebber. We maintain that a veterinarian is best equipped to implant the chip properly so that there is less chance of it migrating.
AQHA has held educational forums and workshops introducing horsemen to microchip- ping, and more are planned for December.
“We had a forum at Heritage Place and invited people to come and listen,” VanBebber related. “And we had an opportunity to train our identifiers. We have another training (course) in December at our headquarters in Amarillo. We’re also doing an on-site event at Los Alamitos on Dec. 9, which is pre-rollout of Jan. 1, just to help everybody touch and feel the new process.”
LIP CHIP HOOF LINK SYSTEM
Brad Bolen’s Lip Chip’s Hoof Link System is a preferred partner of the AQHA in the microchip rollout. Created by longtime horseman Brad Bolen, Lip Chip’s Hoof Link System offers a way to move past just an iden- tification and makes each microchip a secure key for horses and their handlers.
Current equine microchips are placed in the nuchal ligament in the middle third of the neck. Due to the nature of the ligament, these microchips can migrate and can cause difficulty when scanning.
Lip Chip, however, offers a new method of microchipping, and has partnered with veterinarians and technology experts to ensure the technology is both humane and practical. The method of implementation, which allows for less than one percent migration, according to Bolen, is less painful for the horse when compared to chips in the nuchal ligament. By implanting the chip nasally, the scanner has unobstructed access to the site.
“We’re happy to have Brad as a partner,” VanBebber said. “He has been very gener- ous in his support of the industry, and he has Quarter Horse specific knowledge. It’s exciting to move forward with someone with so much enthusiasm.”
Brad Bolen said of the AQHA partnership, “Our company was built by horsemen for horsemen. We build and develop our micro- chipping technology with the purpose of mak- ing the equine industry better as a whole. Lip Chip is excited to use our technology to help Quarter Horses safely compete at the highest levels of racing.”
SPEEDHORSE December 2023 111
© Oklahoma Large Animal First Responders